Gas Smell

[way0utwest]

I've got a 74 1.8 and there is a gas smell in the front trunk. Anything I put there starts to smell like gas. It isn't overpowering, but it's strong. You can smell it when you first get going, but it clears out pretty quickly.

I don't think it's a leak since there isn't anything (gas or oil) leaking from the car.

Since this is my first 914, I'm wondering if I have a leak or if this is normal.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Considering the gas tank is in the front turnk, i would assume what you are smelling is normal.

[red-beard]

Not Normal.

Start with the gasket under the gas cap. Then if that is ok, you will need to pull the tank and look at the fuel lines.

James

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Red-beard, i dont mean to disagree, but my 914 always smelled like gas in the morning, this was after replacing all my fuel lines (including center lines) and sealing the tank. I just accepted it as part of the car's character. 914's do have a very unique smell to them, wouldnt you agree?

[Tidybuoy]

I had the same problem when I first purchased my car. I would recommend changing the rubber fuel lines that are under the gas tank.

There is a way to change them from under the car (thru a small hole) but I have found that it is easier to remove the tank. To remove the tank, it should be nearly empty & then drain the rest by disconnecting one of the rear fuel lines & draining into a can.

If you remove the tank, replace the fuel screen at the same time (it's about $6 bucks). There are two different size fuel lines - I believe 7mm & 9mm (one each) and they need to be around 1.5 ft long each.

Vern

[red-beard]

Jared - If you have things hooked up properly in the front, the vapors should not escape the tank. Did you replace the gasket in the Gas cap? That was where mine was leaking.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

there you go, that was probably it.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

There is also a gasket underneath the fuel filler where it attaches to the tank. And it has been reported several times that not having the charcoal cannister lines hooked up will result in a fuel smell in the trunk as well.

--DD

[HMeeder]

Had much the same problem.

On my car, I did replace both the gasket under the fuel filler tube and the gasket in the cap. I would still ocassionally smell fuel, especially with a full tank. I discovered that my cap wouldn't always sit square with filler neck, resulting in a small gap. I used a pliers to bend the tabs on the cap to ensure a snugger fit. Still would smell gas every now and then. Then I discovered that after putting the cap back on if I pushed down on the cap I could sometimes get it to 'snap' lightly and snug up properly. Now I just press down on the cap every time fill and I haven't had the gas smell recur.

I would check in this order, gasket condition, cap fitment, canister hoses, fuel filler tube gasket, and finally, the fuel lines.

[kellzey]

One more possibility is small pinhole leaks in the tank. You may notice the smell stronger after filling up or taking a hard turn. One solution is to reseal the tank with a POR tank sealing kit. Replace your seals and the lines underneath and you should NOT have an odor problem.

And you shouldn't smell any gas either! ha ha!

Karl

[scg]

I hate the friggin' gas cap gasket!

[Bruce Allert]

Me too Scotty! So much so that I went out & bought a nuther cap complete wiff da VW logo! (got sucked in by the add!) YOU gotta have this!!! but it worked & no more gas smell!
then I had a scotch & cigar to celebrate!
bruce

[M. Hendrix]

I just roll down the window, it'll go away in a minute?

:x)


M

[Bruce Allert]

the scotch or the cigar
bruce

[way0utwest]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start with the gas cap. The smell is about the same except when driving, seems to accumulate when I let it sit for more than an hour.

I've suspected the cap, but couldn't get it to sit tighter. Will look for a replacement gasket.

[scg]

Which VW cap, Bruce? I'm clueless when it comes to our cousins...

[M. Hendrix]

I can tell you about cousins!


M

[Toast]

Oh im sure you can!! Cousins, brothers, sisters..........

[Bruce Allert]

Originally posted by scg
Which VW cap, Bruce? I'm clueless when it comes to our cousins...

actually I thought all 914 caps had the VW logo. My original has one. I'll look for a # & get back to ya Scotty
................ b